NFDA welcomes Secretary of State's comments on diesel

NFDA 16/05/2018

"It is extremely positive that the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Greg Clark, has stated that 'there's a place for diesel vehicles' and diesel will still represent the right fuel type for different drivers in different circumstances", said Sue Robinson, Director of the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA), which represents franchised car and commercial vehicle retailers in the UK.

Speaking at the FT Future of the Car Summit, Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), Greg Clark, suggested that diesel cars will be recommended to a number of motorists in the forthcoming Department For Transport’s Road To Zero report, according to Auto Express.

Rt Hon Greg Clark MP said that "new-generation diesel engines can make big contribution to reducing our emissions". He added that he "would expect the contribution of the higher standards of efficiency and emissions performance of diesel engines to continue to drive improvements in air quality and our greenhouse gas performance", Auto Express reports.

The NFDA has been working alongside its members to ensure that automotive retailers and consumers have accurate facts and information about emissions to enable them to make an informed choice when selecting the fuel type of their next car. NFDA has highlighted on different occasions that, depending on a driver's habits, modern, euro 6 diesel still represent the most efficient choice.

Robinson continued, "Following a number of meetings with the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy where our concerns were raised, it is encouraging to see that the Secretary of State's comments on diesel echo NFDA's views.

"While the automotive industry as a whole is making huge efforts working alongside the Government to meet the zero emissions target, it is crucial that motorists have a comprehensive package of incentives to ensure that they feel confident switching to low emission vehicles and that they are provided with further clarity on emissions.

"We will continue to engage with the Department for Transport and we look forward to the publication of the Road To Zero report."

Notes to Editors:

About the RMI

The Retail Motor Industry represents the interests of operators in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man providing sales and services to motorists and businesses. The RMI has a formal association with the independent Scottish Motor Trade Association which represents the retail motor industry in Scotland.